The DJI Avata 2 has officially completed its first year. After flying it for the past 12 months, here’s an in-depth look at what it’s been like to own and fly this drone.
Flying Experience
When it comes to flying, one of the first things you’ll notice about the DJI Avata 2 is its motion controller. This controller comes standard with the kit, while the RC2 is an optional upgrade. Personally, I’ve found the motion controller to be okay, but it’s not my go-to option. I have plenty of videos showing how to use it, and although it’s nice to have easy Acro settings, it doesn’t suit my style of flying.
Power Loop Mode
However, one of the updates to the Avata 2 added a power loop mode, which makes flying a bit more exhilarating, especially for beginners who aren’t yet ready to fly full manual mode.
Flight Time
When it comes to flight time, the Avata 2 lasts about 23 minutes, although this is a theoretical figure. In real-world conditions, like windy weather, flight time can be reduced as you need to fight against the wind. The Avata 2 uses lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries instead of the traditional LiPo batteries. While Li-ion batteries are safer and provide longer flight times, they lack the power punch of LiPo batteries, which are preferred for high-speed flying. DJI likely chose Li-ion for simplicity and safety reasons, but there’s a trade-off in terms of performance.
C1-Labeled
The Avata 2 is a C1-labeled drone, which means fewer restrictions for pilots, especially in the UK, where they’re planning to accept C1 drones in 2026. This is a huge win, as it allows for more flexibility in flying in denser areas near people.
Pause Feature
While the Avata 2 is lightweight, it does get pushed around in the wind. However, it’s manageable with a little awareness. One fantastic feature is the pause button. If you’re in a tight spot or distracted, pressing this button will immediately pause the drone, allowing you to regain control. Once you’re ready to fly again, simply switch back to manual mode.
RTH Function
Another great feature is the GPS return-to-home function. If you lose connection, the drone will automatically return to its starting point. Plus, in your goggles, you’ll get a warning about connection issues or when the bitrate drops, giving you time to respond.
Latency
Latency is something a lot of users worry about. The lowest latency is achieved when filming in 1080p at 100fps, giving you a 24ms response time. If you want to film in 4K, be aware that it won’t give you the lowest latency. You could also attach an external camera, though this might affect flight performance, depending on what you’re doing.
Crashes
In terms of crashes, I’ve crashed the Avata 2 twice. The first crash happened in Toronto, and it was caused by a minor tumble. The drone dropped from about 20 feet, but only the feet sustained damage. After that, it flew without issues. Of course, if you crash into something hard like a rock at high speed, the drone won’t survive, but overall, it’s been quite durable.
Flying Indoors
The DJI Avata 2 can be flown indoors, though it has its pros and cons. Its biggest strength lies in the downward sensors, which help keep the drone stable indoors and prevent unnecessary bobbing. However, if there isn’t enough ambient light indoors, the sensors won’t work as effectively. If you’re flying in low-light conditions, you may find it harder to control.
While the Avata 2 has the option to toggle attitude limits in the goggles, the drone can still be a bit tricky to fly indoors. If you’re used to the smooth flying of traditional Cinewhoops, you might find the Avata 2 a little more challenging indoors, especially in tight spaces.
Video Quality
The video quality of the Avata 2 is fantastic. You have various options for shooting, but my go-to is the 4:3 aspect ratio, as it’s versatile enough to crop to 16:9 or 9:6. However, this does slightly reduce your field of view, but it’s all about personal preference.
If you’re shooting content for social media, the standard color profile is fine. But for the best results, I recommend using Dlog M, especially if you want to color grade your footage. You can download a DJI conversion LUT for free to bring your footage back to standard, but I prefer using my own LUTs for a unique touch. If you don’t want to spend time color grading, I also offer a LUT pack on my website.
While the Avata 2 can capture JPEG photos, it’s something I don’t use frequently. However, I did capture some photos and even tried making a panorama, which turned out well.
DJI Goggles 3
The DJI Goggles 3 are another great addition to the Avata 2 package. They’re comfortable, especially during long flights, and are easy to adjust. The OLED display offers fantastic screen quality, and the built-in battery lasts for quite some time. I love how these goggles also support the O3 Air Unit, allowing me to fly other drones, like the GC Mark 5.
However, they don’t work with the RunCam Wasp or Vistas, which is unfortunate.
A nice feature of the Goggles 3 is that you can stream footage wirelessly to your phone, allowing others to watch your flight in real-time. The motion controller can also be used to navigate the menu, which is a huge improvement over older models. The only downside is the front-facing cameras they’re pretty useless due to their narrow field of view.
Travel & Portability
When it comes to travel, the Avata 2 is extremely portable. It comes with a sleek black sling bag that fits all your gear, making it easy to throw in your bag and go. This is a huge plus over traditional FPV drones, which require a repair kit, tools, and sometimes separate charging equipment for LiPo batteries. The Avata 2’s compact controller makes it feel like you’re carrying a PlayStation controller, making it a breeze to travel with.
I’ve used a power bank to charge the drone on the go, and it’s worked flawlessly. If you’re planning on using the Avata 2 for spontaneous flights, this portability is a game-changer.
Is It Good for Beginners?
Yes, the DJI Avata 2 is great for beginners. It’s easy to fly with the motion controller, and if you want to level up, you can transition to the RC2 for a more traditional flying experience. If you’re interested in going full FPV mode, the manual controls are available to give you the complete FPV experience.
The Avata 2 is also great for flying around people or in built-up areas due to its C1 certification. It’s a safe drone to fly around people, and the prop guards add an extra layer of safety.
For quick edits, the DJI LightCut app is perfect for auto-editing and correcting Dlog footage. It’s a handy tool if you’re in a rush to share your content.
Recommended Accessories
To get the most out of your Avata 2, here are a few accessories I recommend:
DJI ND Filters
To control exposure and get natural motion blur in your footage, I suggest using ND filters. DJI offers a set for $79, but I prefer the Freewell filters for $99, as they offer a better range and include a UV filter and a polarizer.
Anker PowerCore 737 Power Bank
This is the charging bank I use, and it can charge up to 140W, which is perfect for keeping your Avata 2 topped up while traveling.
Lexar SD Cards
The Avata 2 comes with 46GB of internal storage, but I recommend getting at least a 128GB or 256GB SD card to avoid running out of space when filming at high frame rates.
What DJI Got Right vs. Improvements
DJI got a lot right with the Avata 2, particularly in terms of ease of use, transportability, and its hybrid design. It may not excel in freestyle or indoor flying, but it performs well in both areas. However, improvements could be made in repairability and the ability to disable sensors for smoother flights.
Final Thoughts
After one year of flying, I still recommend the DJI Avata 2. It has a few areas that could use improvement, but overall, it’s an excellent drone for both beginners and experienced pilots. If you own the Avata 2, let me know in the comments what you like and don’t like about it. If you’re thinking about buying one, share your thoughts as well. Don’t forget to check out my playlist for a quick guide on getting to grips with the drone!
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